Dancing With The Stars 2
Master P And Scott Savol - Readers Write
By RTVC Editor Ron Lemon
January 23, 2006
On Sunday I wrote a commentary comparing the actions and attitudes of Master P of Dancing With The Stars and Scott Savol of American Idol. The article was an attempt to understand why people like this are not immediately voted off by the public. I looked at some of the effects of their behavior and examined some of the reasons. I asked for readers to respond and give me their ideas. I was very surprised by the response. Especially to a Sunday article that normally would not generate a lot of readers. The response was very interesting. Points were raised that I had not considered. The original article is reprinted below. Scroll down to "Master P and Scott Savol" if you missed it. I want to thank all of you who took the time to write and express your thoughts. Here is a sampling of what readers are writing.
Kathleen Says It's About Power
"In my opinion, it's about power. There is a block of people who say "I have a phone and I'm not afraid to use it". They choose to feel that this is an opportunity to "stick it to the man" in an "us versus them" world. They don't care about Master P. They care about messing with the establishment. It's about power.
I wonder if Master P understands that he is just a disposable pawn in a juvenile power game?
My real concern is that the network not only permits this nonsense, but expands the airtime to enable it further. What they have accomplished is the driving away in droves the people their advertisers are trying to attract. Believe me, those childish souls with their fingers on the redial button, are NOT paying any attention to the advertising spots. They care only about bringing down this tiny sliver of "establishment". The network has conspired to destroy a potential hit. I no longer watch at all. In fact, I have not yet found a person of any age or demographic who is still watching. We are insulted and disrespected as viewers and prefer to watch something else."
Sandy Says They Vote But Don't Watch
"I also think there is a group of people out there that just like to ruin anything that people enjoy. I have been to many message boards and found that there are a lot who don't even watch shows like Dancing with the Stars and American Idol, but hear about people like P and Scott. Then they vote for them just to ruin it for those of us that do watch it.
I find it so sad that some people are so unhappy that the only way they seem to be happy is to ruin things for others.
I find enjoyment in watching the talented kids learn from their mistakes on AI and also the stars on DWTS learn so many new dances."
Jillian Says They Don't Give A Damn
"I enjoyed your piece on this growing problem we have with AI and it’s sad to see it go over to other shows like DWS. It is amazing to watch Master P completely disregard anyone’s point of view but his own. And you’re right, it’s like people are getting more of a kick out of seeing him stay, and want the laughs rather than actually participate and pick the more deserving contestant.
I think there are too many possible “reasons” for this, everything from racism to what have you. If there is a movement, like there was for Savol, to keep him on even though he’s deliberately bad, I don’t understand it either. Maybe it’s because we’re raising generations of people who have not been taught to give a damn about anything, not even themselves in many cases. Fair competition? What’s that? And what troubles me as well is the producers of these shows see this happen, and still choose not make any changes, even though it does diminish the viewing enjoyment. They rationalize it by saying the final outcome ends up being correct. That may be, but we’re still robbed of seeing a few more enjoyable performances from real talent like Nadia Turner, LaToya London and the like, instead have to grimace through Master P and John Stevens or JPL. And who knows how that adversely affects someones shot at a career, who may genuinely deserve, like Nadia and LaToya? One can only wonder.
There are solutions to it, but all involve the shows willingness to change the voting rules, which they won’t. Instead of wanting to give the best entertainment, the want the kind attention that scandal and outrage and disgust bring. They don’t’ realize that maybe if they did, the shows integrity, reputation and success would only benefit."
Sara Says Don't Sell The Viewers Short
I think maybe your selling the viewer short. Like everyone is just looking at the Stars. But you can't watch Mr. P and not see the effort that his dance partner is making. Ashley is working double duty and while I realize it's all about partners and the Star is the Star, how can you ignore her talent? Maybe he's getting a lot of sympathy votes based on her and remember he didn't ask for this gig , no, it was handed down to him from his son who I have to believe would have done a much better job. I feel sure when negotiating the replacement he made it clear with ABC as to exactly what he would do versus what he wouldn't. He hasn't lied to the viewing audience about who he is or Ashley for that matter. So ultimately maybe the blame goes to the producers of the show. I mean after all they picked Kenny Mayne. Point being, maybe you don't care for him, can't say I enjoy his music but I've noticed that he never solicits calls and he always gives Ashley the credit. I must admit last week he seemed to really try and I think he came closer to the jive than George, but then again who am I? Just a viewer with a phone.
Thank You
Again I want to thank all of you who wrote in. And I want to encourage more. Why do you think this is happening? Let me know what you think. We'll publish more of what we receive. Please send your comments to me at: Editor@RealityTVCalendar.com.
Master P and Scott Savol
Why are the people who vote for Reality Shows like Dancing With The Stars and American Idol so obsessed with sending home talented people and voting for the talentless? Why are they voting for jerks and punks?
Are we dealing with kids who think it is funny? Or worse: adults who find it amusing? I'm sure they are out there. But are there really that many stupid people out there? Can there be that many people who don't care how they influence the lives of others?
Another possibility is the race issue. Is that it? I raise it here because Master P is an African-American. Does he have a large voting block because of his race? Maybe that's part of it, but I don't believe that accounts for it. If it is race, how do you explain Scott Savol of American Idol?
I find a lot of similarities between the two men.
Master P can not dance. This is a ballroom dance competition yet he hops and skips and runs around the dance floor without grace, sophistication, or even the coordination you would expect of someone who enjoys playing basketball so much. Honestly I don't think he is really trying. I think he is too tied up in his image to do what needs to be done.
Scott Savol could barely carry a tune. I doubt he even sounds good in the shower. I never understood why he made the top 12 and I don't think he would have if it were not for the unfair, and insulting to contestants and viewers alike, rule that producers instituted to have an equal mix of males and females. The viewers want to see talented performers, not boy-girl seating at the dinner table.
Master P has an incredibly negative attitude. He is who he is, like it or not. He has little respect for other people and less if they happen to be female. It's one thing to remain true to yourself. It's important to maintain your own beliefs and feelings. It's another to disrespect people who are trying to help you succeed at a particular task. It is arrogant to disregard their feelings. To disregard the influence you have on their lives and careers. I feel very sorry for his dancing partner Ashley Delgrosso. He treats her with contempt. He has refused to wear dancing shows saying that he will wear his "lucky" shoes. I don't buy it. Frankly I think he has the immature viewpoint of a child who is more interested in maintaining his "cool" image than doing what needs to be done to get the job done. When Ashely presented him with a pair of dancing shoes he cruelly threw them on the floor. How did he think she would feel? The man is no gentleman. He is simply a jerk.
Scott Savol of American Idol had the same in-your-face and I-don't-give-a-damn attitude. His looks of contempt as the judges reviewed his performance showed that he was not mature enough to listen to and consider anything negative being said about him. When someone more talented was sent home in his place his expressions showed surprise that he was still there and then a smirk that said "they like me for who I am". Everybody wants to be accepted. But that is not an excuse for ill manners, bad behavior, and a lack of respect for others. He is simply a punk.
Scott didn't win American Idol and Master P will not win Dancing With The Stars. The people who vote for people like Scott and P are saying with their votes "We approve you, your behavior, and your attitude".
I don't know what bothers me more; that voters are reinforcing this, or that there are so many voters that find it admirable. They are harming people who deserve to be rewarded for their talent. They are harming the viewing experience for the audience.
But then, they really don't care about anybody but themselves.
Does this explain it? While I believe that what I write here is true, I honestly don't know if it explains it all.
I would genuinely like to know your thoughts on the subject. Maybe I'm missing something and I would like to understand it. You can email me here.
Ron Lemon is the very opinionated, but not-always-right, editor of Reality TV Calendar. He is a United States Air Force veteran, a Pennsylvania Army National Guard veteran and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He lives on the southern shore of Canada with his fiancee and business partner Christine and their spoiled dog, Stash. He, Ron - not the dog, does this because he enjoys it, he hates alarm clocks, and it is better than getting up and going to work everyday. Until such time as he wins the lottery he can be reached at: Editor@RealityTVCalendar.com.
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